Loch Ken Holiday Park

THE AREA : Dumfries and Galloway covers an area of some 2,457 square miles. There are many different kinds of scenery found in the area - high hills, glens, woodlands, rivers, lochs and some 200 miles of coastline with many fine sandy beaches. The region has a long and colourful history, is rich in archaeological sites, and has associations with many famous historic and literary figures. Within the region, the quiet country roads offer unhurried touring opportunities. Robert Burns spent the last years of his life in Dumfries. He is buried in St Michael's churchyard in the town and the Burns centre beside the River Nith in Dumfries is worth visiting. The Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Guide lists 115 places of special interest. Included are the early Christian 'Whithorn Excavations', 'Priory and Museum' - the site of the first Christian church in Scotland; Sweetheart Abbey, nineteen castles, including Drumlanrig, the home of The Duke of Buccleuch; and eight gardens including the National Trust Garden at Threave, Castle Douglas. There are a number of bird sanctuaries, 'open' farms, countryside parks and forest walks, plus many museums, craft workshops, galleries and other attractions. If you are coming with children there are plenty of nearby attractions to take them too, the Cream O' Galloway Ice Cream visitor Centre has ice cream tasting and indoor and outdoor activities for children, the Cocoabean Company where kids can make chocolate creations in interactive workshops or Mabie Farm Park that offers a fun day out for all the family. Dumfries and Galloway also hosts several events throughout the year, there is the Big Burns Supper in January, the Wildlife Festival around Easter, DG Arts Festival in May - June, Spring Fling Art Festival in late May / early June and Flavour Fortnight in August / September just to name a few...